New York, February 4, 2026, 15:04 (EST) — Regular session
- AST SpaceMobile slipped during U.S. afternoon trading after AT&T unveiled a new connectivity deal with AWS and Amazon Leo.
- The companies characterized the satellite component as fixed broadband designed for business customers, not as a phone service.
- Focus shifts to AST’s scheduled launch in late February, with carrier updates anticipated in early March.
AST SpaceMobile shares fell about 10%, closing at $103.73 in afternoon trading. The stock swung between $115.89 and $97.61 throughout the session. Trading volume topped 15.9 million shares.
The drop stings since AST’s entire pitch rests on one simple yet fragile concept: satellites connecting straight to regular smartphones. This strategy leans heavily on key wireless carriers sticking to the plan, and investors bail fast at any hint those partners might be looking elsewhere.
AT&T’s statement didn’t mention AST by name. Still, traders zeroed in on the phrase “satellite broadband” and reacted quickly, even though the deal actually focuses on business connectivity rather than consumer mobile service.
AT&T, Amazon Web Services, and Amazon Leo have teamed up to modernize networks. Their plan involves leveraging Amazon Leo’s low-Earth-orbit satellites to boost AT&T’s fixed broadband services for business customers. Shawn Hakl, AT&T Business product chief, described the move as “a pivotal step,” adding, “Fiber is the foundation of that future.” (Business Wire)
There was no obvious trigger behind AST’s surge. AT&T shares climbed nearly 2%, but Amazon.com slid roughly 2%. Satellite rivals didn’t fare well either—Globalstar tumbled about 7%, and Iridium edged down close to 1%. The Nasdaq-heavy QQQ ETF also slipped by around 1.5%.
AST’s optimism is powered by its link to AT&T. In 2024, AT&T struck a deal with AST to deliver a space-based broadband network straight to cell phones. Under the agreement, AT&T’s network chief, Chris Sambar, will join AST’s board. (Reuters)
AST remains sharply focused on execution. Last month, it revealed the BlueBird 7 satellite launch is slated for late February. President Scott Wisniewski commented, “This launch advances our mission to bring space-based cellular broadband connectivity to everyday smartphones as we progress towards launching commercial services in 2026.” (Business Wire)
Amazon’s satellite arm is asking for more time. On Jan. 30, Kuiper Systems LLC, an Amazon subsidiary, filed a request with the FCC to push back the deadline for deploying half of its planned Amazon Leo constellation by two years, shifting it to July 30, 2028, or to scrap the interim deadline entirely. (GeekWire)
AST holders aren’t out of the woods yet. Should AT&T confirm that the Amazon Leo deal clashes with its mobile coverage, or if AST’s rollout hits delays, the stock could take another hit. This comes after a rally that’s already baked in aggressive timelines.
Two major events are on traders’ radar. AST’s BlueBird 7 launch is set for late February. Then, the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona runs March 2-5. Investors want updates from carriers on their satellite strategies. (Amazon)
